The Korean people made a jet-propelled weapon for the first time in the world.
Kwanghwi, which had the same operating principle with rocket, came into being in the period of Koguryo (B.C. 277-A.D. 668), and Singijon, the origin of multi-stage rocket, appeared in the early 15th century.
Singijon was classified into small, medium and large one according to its size, type and structure of reaction powder-flask.
The small-sized Singijon was a kind of two-stage rocket as it could fly far to a distance by the force of gas emitted from two powder-flasks installed in the tail of an arrow.
The other two weapons equipped with more powder-flasks could fly like three-stage and four-stage rockets.
In the mid-15th century, dimensions of Singijon were standardized on a nationwide scale.
This weaponry was used in the battles of Kyongju and Haengjusan castles during the Imjin Patriotic War (1592-1598).
(KCNA - October 23, 2019)